Real Madrid was coached by Carlo Ancelotti for two terms, from 2013 to 2015 and from 2021 to 2025. His tenure was the most successful manager in the club’s history, winning 15 titles in six seasons with the club.
During his time at the club, the 66-year-old coach had the opportunity to train some of the team’s biggest stars, but he also had the opportunity to confront their egos. However, he highlighted the personalities of two of them and mentioned how they contributed to the club.
Carlo Ancelotti compares Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego with another Real Madrid legend
Ancelotti has put the spotlight on two players since their time at Real Madrid.
In a recent appearance on the podcast The Rest is Football, the Italian coach recalled his time at Real Madrid and what it was like to be around someone like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“And I have to say that it’s not difficult to manage top players, because usually the top players are the most professional players. Yes, serious professionals. I would say one of the best professional players is Cristiano Ronaldo. A big ego, a strong personality,” Ancelotti told United in Focus.
However, he also compared CR7’s personality to that of current CF Monterrey defender Sergio Ramos.
“For example, another player with a big ego and a strong personality was Sergio Ramos. But he’s a good ego for the team,” he said.
CR7 was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabé on July 6, 2009, and from then until his departure in 2018, he was the club’s top scorer, cheering thousands of people on 451 times. After three years at Juventus, he decided to return to Manchester United in mid-2021, but moved to Saudi Arabia in early 2023 to join Al-Nassr, where he currently plays.
Ramos was already at Real Madrid when Cristiano arrived. He played as a defender for the team for 16 seasons from 2005 to 2021, scoring 101 goals and winning 22 titles.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti was appointed manager of the Brazilian national team after completing his second spell at the club in May 2025, as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
